Plan for the Future
~~Richard J. Tarashuk, 89, loving husband, father, and grandfather entered into eternal life on August 14, 2017. The son of the late Andrew and Anna (Kaschak) Tarashuk, he was born and raised in Manville, NJ, prior to his move to Summit, NJ in 1961.
Richard served in the United States Air Force, 1951-1955, following his graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in 1951. Working with the New Jersey Rehabilitation Commission, he earned a Master’s Degree in Vocational Counseling from Seton Hall University in 1960. When the Job Corps was opened at Camp Kilmer, NJ, he served as co-coordinator of incoming enrollees until the project ended in 1969.
Richard became a Guidance Counselor at East Orange High School in 1970, continued his post-Masters education at Kean College and retired in 1990 due to his health problems.
Richard was an active member of St. Teresa of Avila Church in Summit, serving many years as an usher. He was a member of the Springfield Knights of Columbus, and also served as a volunteer fireman for six years while living in Manville, and 25 years while living in Summit.
Richard and his wife, Pat, loved to travel and often camped with family and friends in various states along the Eastern seaboard. Their most memorable trips included river cruises in Europe and land tours in Germany.
Family was top priority for Richard. He loved his sons and grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments. In addition to his wife, Pat, he is survived by: Richard and wife, Lisa, grandsons, Richard and William of Braintree, MA; Michael and wife, Susan, grandchildren Michael, Marissa, and Thomas of Summit; Philip of Wilmington, DE; Christopher and grandchildren, Christopher and Megan of Summit; Paul and wife, Cynthia, grandchildren Andrea and Harrison Turner, Paul, and Kevin of Flemington, NJ; and Matthew and wife, Robyn, grandsons Trevor and Jeremy of Palm City, FL.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 19 at 9:30 am at St. Teresa of Avila Church, Summit, NJ. There will be a Memorial/Celebration of Life on September 30, 2017, for family and friends.